PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Ant May from Planetmosh asked Manda, vocalist from Dutch band Nemesea some questions following the release of their latest album…
Planetmosh: You’ve just released a new album, The Quiet resistance. Can you tell us a bit about the album and the songs on it?
Manda: The Quiet Resistance is our 3rd studio album. It’s about the resistance that’s within you. A quiet resistance when you are not allowed to speak your mind, when it’s not wise to speak or when you are afraid to say what you feel. TQR isn’t a concept album although a lot of the songs reflect the album title.
Planetmosh: How do you think it compares to your earlier albums?
Manda: In a way it does, we brought element of both previous album into this album. We combined electronic and symphonic influences that we used separately on the previous albums. We kept the songs structure approach of our 2nd album In Control because that is more “us” and just feels right. The album is heavier than In Control so in heavy terms it’s more similar to our debut album MANA.
Planetmosh: Your first album was released through a small local label, and your last album was recorded after raising money through Sellaband. Your new one is with Napalm. What are the benefits you feel a major label such as Napalm bring?
Manda: Napalm is doing everything step by step and is very professional. They are really good in promotion and that still is what a band needs most. They spend lots of energy in discussing everything with the band.
Our first label did what they could and did a good job but it was to a certain level.
Sellaband was a total different experience an isn’t really comparable to a standard record company format. Sellaband did lots of online / digital promotion but hardly any promotion in magazines etc etc. The fact that fans are deciding you can make a record when investing in you is a great concept. Sellaband failed to gather lots of followers so at the end there were more bands then believers/ investors on the website..
Planetmosh: What is the writing process in the band – do you write together as a group, or are there one or two main songwriters?
Manda:We have one main writer in the band and that’s HJ (guitars & backing vocals). The other members are delivering ideas, musical parts but HJ is the song-writer and makes it all fit. He is really into song writing in general in all kinds of styles.
Planetmosh: Why do you think so many great female fronted bands come from The Netherlands?
Manda: It’s probably because the bands inspire each other and it has become sort of scene in Holland. When a band is coming from a country and has a certain amount of success (The Gathering, Within Temptation) other band from the regions (try to) follow into their footsteps
Planetmosh: Are there any plans to tour outside Holland next year – possibly the UK ?
Manda: We are working hard on getting Nemesea on the road internationally but it depends how people will react on the album. Maybe it’s possible to get a good spot supporting a bigger/ more well known band. We ‘ll just have to wait and see. We hope to go on tour because playing live is our primary goal.
Planetmosh: What is your favourite type of live show and why – festival, large venue or small venue?
Manda: It’s difficult to compare, I think the combination of those types of performances makes it really interesting. Cool about festivals is the fact that you meet up with other bands, the weather is often good so… The downside is the technical aspect. When playing a venue the band has more time to get a good sound etc etc…
Planetmosh: What bands do you think have influenced the music of Nemesea?
Manda: It’s not so much that certain bands have an influence on Nemesea, it’s more styles of music that’s of influence and it’s very diverse.. From rock to metal to electronic to pop oriented music.
Planetmosh: The internet has clearly changed the music industry, what do you think are the ways that the Internet is good for bands like Nemesea?
Manda: Internet is good for bands in general I believe. Especially when starting out. You can create digital space to put all your music/ photos, information on. Next to that it’s possible to connect with fans and create a fan base.
Planetmosh: And in what ways is the internet bad?
Manda: When becoming a bit more known and when trying to reach a bigger audience it starts to become more difficult in my opinion. Then you need good promotion tools and good music to stand out.
It’s also hard to get profitable online. Lots of people download the music illegal and although it good for you as a band that people listen to your music it’s not really cool there isn’t financial support.
Planetmosh: Which do you prefer and why – CD or legal mp3 downloads ?
Manda: Legal Mp3 downloads. It’s faster, cheaper and easier to put on my ipod.
Planetmosh: What was the last album you bought?
Adele – 21, on CD.
